What is the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and what is its purpose within the planning system?
It sets out the Government’s economic, environmental and social planning policies for England. The policies set out in this framework apply to the preparation of local and neighbourhood plans and to decisions on planning applications.
The key aim of the NPPF is the ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development
How is the National Planning Policy Framework implemented at a local level
Section 3 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires that each local planning authority (LPA) should prepare a Local Plan
Through Local Plans and neighbourhood planning, which must align with national policies to guide sustainable development.
What is a Local Plan, and what role does it play within the Local Development Framework?
a statutory, community-consulted document created by local planning authorities to set a vision and framework for future development, including housing, infrastructure, and environmental protection over a 5–15 year period.
Sets planning policies in a local authority area.
What is a Local Development Framework?
a portfolio of planning documents that sets out the spatial strategy, policies, and vision for development in a local authority area, guiding decisions on housing, infrastructure, and land use.
Must align with the NPPF.
How do Local Plans influence decisions on planning applications?
They are the main consideration in deciding planning applications. They set the framework in which decisions on particular proposals are taken locally.
The law makes it clear that decisions on planning applications should be made in accordance (in line) with the policies and proposals within the development plan (which includes the Local Plan)
What is the London Plan
statutory spatial development strategy for Greater London, published by the Mayor to guide growth over 20–25 years
When is the london plan used in addition to local planning policy?
Local Plans (and Neighbourhood Plans) in London must be in “general conformity” with the London Plan.
Used for large-scale development, major transport infrastructure, and city-wide environmental goals.
Specific Policy Areas: Used to enforce specific standards, such as the 35% affordable housing threshold, minimum room sizes, and “be lean, be clean, be green” energy policies.
Mayor’s Referrals: Used when the Mayor of London reviews significant applications referred by local boroughs
How does the London Plan interact with borough-level Local Plans in determining planning decisions?
It acts as a primary, top-tier document, meaning its policies must be applied alongside local plans when deciding planning applications, ensuring a unified approach to growth across the city
What is the statutory basis of the planning system in England?
primarily founded on acts of Parliament that establish a “plan-led” system, requiring development to be managed in the public interest
What is the purpose of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990?
The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is the primary legislation governing land use, development, and planning in England and Wales.
Its main purpose is to manage development, promote sustainable growth, protect the environment, and ensure that changes to land and buildings are authorized by local planning authorities
What changes to the planning system were introduced by the Localism Act 2011?
Aim was to shift power from central government to local authorities and communities.
Key items
Abolition of Regional Strategies: returning decision-making on housing numbers to local authorities.
Introduction of Neighbourhood Planning.
Community Right to Build:
Duty to Co-operate on planning issues that span across administrative boundaries.
Pre-application Consultation:
what is the planning and compulsory purchase act 2004
overhauled the planning system to speed up decision-making, encourage sustainable development, and reform compulsory purchase powers
Why is it important for planning decisions to be made in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise?
is critical because it ensures a plan-led system that provides consistency, transparency, and predictability
What is a material consideration?
an issue that is relevant to a planning application, which should be taken into account when a decision is made e.g. overlooking an privacy
How did you determine that the introduction of a ground floor concierge at Douglas Bader Park could be progressed as a Non-Material Amendment rather than a Section 73 application?
Section 96A (Non-Material Amendment).
Why was it important to hold a pre-application meeting with the local planning authority before submitting the NMA?
to verify that the proposed changes are minor enough to qualify as an NMA rather than a new planning application
How did the planning officer’s agreement at pre-app stage help to de-risk the planning programme?
28 days determination.
reduce the likely hood of it getting refused.
agreed what scope of works would be required for submission.
What was your role in coordinating the design team and planning consultant during the NMA process?
- Agreed scope and fees.
- Agreed programme they would need to be working to.
- Co-ordinated DTMs
- Reviewed reports and provided comments.
How did you manage communications with Barnet Council following submission of the NMA, and how did you respond to any queries raised?
Checked in with the case officer on a weekly basis.
Reviewed comments received from statuary consulates
Coordinated with the consultants for responses to their queries.
At St Ann’s Hospital, how did you identify that the travel plan was a “prior to occupation” Section 106 obligation
stated within the s106
Why was it important to review the draft travel plan against the exact wording of the Section 106 agreement?
Otherwise wont be signed off
What key information did you ensure was included within the travel plan to enable the obligation to be discharged?
- Info on the development such as access, car clubs and parking spaces.
-Objectives of the travel plan such as reducing trips by cars and promoting sustainable travel
- Info on travel plan co-ordinatior - contact for residents
- Info on reviews of the travel plan and when trics survey will take place
How did you confirm that the Section 106 obligation had been formally discharged and that the development could proceed to occupation?
When discharge notice was received.
Why did you advise your client that increasing the unit numbers from 18 to 28 would trigger additional affordable housing requirements, despite the uplift being within a single private block?
Because the affordable percentage is on a site wide basis.
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